Samoa crowned inaugural IRB Pacific Rugby Cup winners

The Fiji Warriors led five-three at halftime, but Savai¹i Samoa fought back in the second half to win the inaugural International Rugby Board's Pacific Cup final 10-5 in a pulsating contest on a muddy and slippery Marist Ground in Apia.

The home crowd were on the edge of their seats as the Savaii Samoa defence was made to work over time to keep the Warriors attack at bay for the last 10 minutes of the game.

When Tonga referee Eva Mafi finally signalled an end to proceedings in the fifth minute of injury time the home fans breathed a huge sigh of relief.

The PRC over, the Pacific Islands will turn their attention to the Pacific Five Nations, which kicks off on June the 3rd and is being contested between Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, the Junior All Blacks and Japan.